RESEARCH CLEARANCE

NATIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS, PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCT OF RESEARCH IN MALAWI

The conduct of research in Malawi is promoted, co-ordinated and regulated by the National Commission for Science and Technology. The Commission sets out regulatory requirements, standards, procedures and guidelines in terms of sections 18 and 48 of the Science and Technology Act No.16 of 2003. Research is approved through the Commission’s established and recognized research ethics committees.

Currently, Malawi has the following recognized ethics committees;

National Health Sciences Research Committee established in terms of section 11 of the said Act;

National Committee on Research in the Social Sciences and Humanities established in terms of section 11 of the said Act; and

College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee acting on delegation of authority from the Commission.

In addition to the research ethics committees, the National Committee on Bioethics tackles all bioethics advisory issues across the sectors including the ethics of science and technology. For any further specific inquiries, contact the Commission’s Chief Research Services Officer responsible for Health, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Affairs

Below are some of the regulatory requirements for the conduct of research in Malawi involving human subjects that are self explanatory.